Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C

HCV

Hepatitis C is caused by very small, very mutable virus that is the only known member of its genus of hepacivirus (HCV). There are six major genotypes of the hepacvirus, aptly numbered 1 through 6. These different genotypes evolved as HCV mutated in unique directions. HCV is an RNA virus, which genotypes vary genetically more from each other than influenza viruses do. Hence HCV is a small, moving target.

Hepatitis C is spread by blood-to-blood contact. The major pathways of infection include:

Intravenous (IV) and intranasal drug use.

Blood transfusion.

Organ transplant before 1992.

Blood factor before 1987.

Mother-to-fetus infection. (There is approximately a 4% rate of passing the HCV infection from an infected mother to her unborn child.)

Injection vaccine guns from the Vietnam era. (Recruits would be lined up and the same bloody needle would be used to vaccinate multiple recruits. These multiple injections tended to happen in alphabetical order, so recruits with last names beginning closer to the end of the alphabet had a higher risk of being infected.)

Kidney dialysis.

Needle sticks from infected patients.

Contaminated medical equipment, including tattoo needles.

At Alchemist Lab, about 7% of our patients have been unable to pinpoint any significant risk and are at a loss to explain how they became infected.

The Hepatitis C virus does not transmit very effectively sexually, though it is possible to become infected through sexual activity. One large scale study of monogamous couples found zero cases of transmissions between partners. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend barrier protection between monogamous partners in cases where one person is infected. They do, however, suggest precautions with razors, toothbrushes, and utilizing caution when any open wounds are present.

The liver has more different functions than any other organ in the body, so symptoms of hepatitis C can be many and varied. The chronic symptoms of hepatitis C follow the progression of liver damage. Initial symptoms tend to be general and not specific to only hepatitis C, making initial diagnosis less easy. Such general symptoms can include fatigue, depression, anger and other mood disorders, malaise, lack of mental sharpness, insomnia, blurred vision, and digestive upset. Many common imbalances, such as hormonal imbalance, can also be heightened, because the liver metabolizes all hormones.

Hepatitis C is associated with autoimmune illnesses such as:

Rheumatic arthritis, with pain and swelling of limbs.

Cryoglobulinemia, with pain and swelling of limbs, rashes, sores, kidney disease, inflammation of blood vessels, and peripheral neuropathy.

Lichen planus, which is itchy bumps on the skin and oral cavity.

Hepatitis C Signs and Symptoms

The more progressed signs and symptoms of hepatitis C can look more like acute hepatitis. Such indications include itchy skin, dark urine, light colored stools, jaundice, and tenderness in the liver area.

The initial symptoms of hepatitis C can all worsen into significant problems. When the liver is heavily damaged, fatigue can end up with a patient becoming overwhelmingly narcoleptic. Mental confusion can end up as hepatic encephalopathy, where high ammonia levels poison the brain. Digestive upsets can worsen, and often include gallbladder pain, with nausea or pain when eating rich foods.

Advanced symptoms of hepatitis C can also include spider veins, edema of the legs, ascites, bleeding episodes, and wasting of the arms and legs. Both the liver and spleen can enlarge. Portal hypertension can cause kidney disease.

The portrait of an end-stage liver patient can resemble a child dying of malnutrition: Stick-thin limbs with a swollen belly. Not a pretty sight.

Hepatitis C: Alchemist Lab Remedies and Treatments

At Alchemist Lab, we use a natural approach to the treatment of Hepatitis C.

This includes prescribing an appropriate regimen of natural supplements and/or Chinese herbs, along with making suggestions about diet and lifestyle, accompanied by monitoring blood tests at intervals appropriate to each patient.

It’s your choice how to work with Alchemist Lab, on your own, or in conjunction with your other health care professionals.

CLICK HERE to schedule a private consultation with Steven Finkbine, L.Ac., Founder of Alchemist Lab, respected world-wide for his natural approach to treating hepatitis and other viral diseases.

CLICK HERE to be taken to the Alchemist Lab Apothecary / Store, where you can learn about and purchase supplements and herbs useful in the treatment of hepatitis.